Chronicling civil-service life for California state workers

April 18, 2011

Caltrans Director Cindy McKim has put out the word that she will be retiring, effective May 17. The department hasn't made a formal announcement, but department spokesman Matt Rocco confirmed the news this afternoon.

Gov. Jerry Brown hasn't yet named a successor, Rocco said.

McKim's departure is the third time Caltrans' top administrator has stepped down in less than two years.

McKim's predecessor, Randell Iwasaki, left on April 15, 2010, for a better-paying job with the Contra Costa Transportation Authority. (The resignation caught then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger unprepared, which upset the administration.)

Iwasaki had replaced Will Kempton, who left the department for a more lucrative job with the Orange County Transportation Authority in August 2009.

McKim was the Caltrans chief deputy director before Schwarzenegger appointed her to the top post in May 2010. She earned $130,322 last year. Her retirement marks the end of more than 30 years with the department.

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About The State Worker

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Jon Ortiz launched The State Worker blog and a companion column in 2008 to cover state government from the perspective of California government employees. Every day he filters the news through a single question: "What does this mean for state workers?" Join Ortiz for updates and debate on state pay, benefits, pensions, contracts and jobs. Contact him at (916) 321-1043 and at jortiz@sacbee.com.

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